Ophelia Jeter, a beloved matriarch and cherished member of the community, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 17th, 2024 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, at the age of 91. She was born on Thursday, March 23rd, 1933, in Gates, Tennessee, and lived a full and vibrant life.
Ophelia took great pride in her family and is survived by her loving children, Mildred Burns of Phoenix, AZ, Elder Joseph Burns and wife Cathy, of Mt. Vernon, IL, Earice Burns and wife, Necia, of Cleveland, Ohio; Earlando Burns of Phoenix, AZ, Areta Cummings and husband, Floyd, of Douglasville, GA, and Darren Burns of Centralia, IL. She also leaves behind siblings, Archie Bradford and wife Lois of Spokane, WA, Opal Dietzel and husband Paul of Everett, WA, Ruby Bradford of Ripley, TN, Creasy Reed of Ripley, TN, and Lawrence Bradford and wife Romi of Federal Way, WA; a special granddaughter, Ava Burns of Phoenix, AZ; Her memory will be cherished by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, other relatives, and special cousins and caretakers, Marva Clemons of Centralia, and Lisa Coleman of Centralia.
Ophelia was preceded in death by her father, Archie Bradford; mother, Mildred (Byrd) Bradford; her cherished daughter, Barbara Burns; and her sons, Johnell Burns, Jerry Burns, Julian Burns, and an infant son, Jarice Burns.
A woman of deep faith, Ophelia loved reading the Bible and nurturing plants and flowers. She served as a faithful servant unto the house of the Lord for many years. She was known for her love of leopard print clothing and her unwavering generosity to those around her. She made a significant impact on her community, particularly through her efforts in organizing donations of toys and clothes to those in need. Throughout her life, Ophelia was a devoted homemaker and industrious worker, contributing her talents to the Little Fuse Factory and Centralia Steam Laundry. She was known for her warm spirit and tireless dedication to her family and friends.
Funeral Services for Ophelia Jeter will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at The First Apostolic Church at 1202 South Poplar Street in Centralia with Pastor Jonathan Urshan and Elder Joseph Burns officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Centralia. A visitation for family and friends will be held Saturday, December 28, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the First Apostolic Church. Ophelia’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and community service, and she will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to the family and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, IL 62801 (618) 532-3523, which is honored to help the family prepare, celebrate and honor Ophelia’s remarkable life. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
Though she may no longer walk among us, Ophelia’s spirit will live on in the lives of all who were blessed to know her.
